ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN ARMY CARRIES OUT 700 KM CYCLING EXPEDITION
Kolkata, November 19, 2019
An Indian Army unit embarked on a cycling expedition from Chungthang of Sikkim to Panagarh in West Bengal covering over 700 km. The expedition started on November 4, 2019. It was flagged-in by GOC, Panagarh Military Station on November 18, 2019. The team comprised of 11 cyclists and traversed a distance of 700 km by road in 15 days with an average daily coverage of 45-50 km.
The expedition aimed at inculcating a spirit of adventure among all ranks and to honour and remember our veterans in the Year of Next of Kin. Interactions with veterans to address their concerns and bond with them were undertaken throughout the route.
This activity, besides showcasing the theme “We Care”, also aimed at spreading awareness about Indian Army amongst school students and youth and was very well received by the civil administration as also the students and veteran community.
(SSS
Special Service and Features
Activities of the three tier FPO system in coconut sector commendable: Dr.Abhilaksh Likhi IAS Additional Secretary, Agriculture, Government of India. Thiruvananthapuram, 09 March 2022
As part of review of the activities of Farmer Producer Organizations  in coconut sector, Additional Secretary, Agriculture, Government of India, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi IAS visited Theeradesa Nalikera Utpadaka Federation, Ezupunna in Alapuzha District and interacted with farmers. He assured all support to the Federation to form a company as per provisions in the new Central Sector Scheme ‘Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisation.
Dr. Likhi observed that the three tier pyramidal structure of FPOs promoted by the Coconut Development Board , was innovative, considering the charitable nature of lower level collectives and the formation of Company under Companies Act, at Apex Level. The Coconut Producers Society  at the grass root level, Coconut Producers Federation  at the intermediate level and Coconut Producers Company at the apex level enables more participation and involvement of farmers to form smaller groups and plan activities at different levels based on the level of farmer collectives. Logical scaling up of CPF to Producer Companies will ensure sustainable income, brand building, market development, product diversification, processing and export.
The Theeradesa Nalikera Utpadaka Federation is a consortium of 8 Coconut Producer Societies in the village. It is involved in various activities as envisaged in the three tier system. The various schemes of the Coconut Development Board are implemented through the Federation. 761 farmers are members of the Federation. They have 41722 palms with a productivity of nearly 11 Lakh nuts per year.
Dr. Likhi interacted with the Coconut farmers regarding the implementation of schemes and programs of various central agencies under Agriculture Ministry. He emphasized the need by Coconut Development Board/State Government to ensure extensive publicity of the work being done by the apex Coconut Federation. He also asked the State Government to take all requisite steps to ensure that the benefits of all agricultural schemes, programmes and projects reach the intended target beneficiaries. Dr. Likhi later had a review meeting of Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare at Coconut Development Board, Kera Bhavan, SRV Road, Ernakulam. The officials of Coconut Development Board , Directorate of Cocoa and Cashew Development , Directorate of Marketing & Inspection  Mission Director, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture  Kerala, Director, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana , Director , ADC, Mechanization and Technology , Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage , also participated in the meeting.
-ND-
(Visitor Counter : 260
Prime Minister's Office
PM launches Aatmanirbhar Bharat Innovation Challenge
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has launched Aatmanirbhar Bharat Innovation Challenge, to identify the best Indian Apps that are already being used by citizens and have the potential to scale and become world class Apps in their respective categories.
“Today there is immense enthusiasm among the tech & start-up community to create world class Made in India Apps. To facilitate their ideas and products @GoI_MeitY and @AIMtoInnovate are launching the Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge.
This challenge is for you if you have such a working product or if you feel you have the vision and expertise to create such products. I urge all my friends in the tech community to participate”, the Prime Minister said.
--
Prime Minister's Office
PM lauds singers for coronavirus themed songs
PM praises eminent personalities for spreading his 'janata curfew' message
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lauded singers Malini Awasthi and Pritam Bhartwan for coronavirus-themed songs. PM shared the songs on twitter and wrote “जनता कर्फ्यू को लेकर हर कोई अपनी-अपनी तरह से योगदान देने में जुटा है। लोक गायिका @maliniawasthi जी अपने अंदाज में लोगों को प्रेरित कर रही हैं... #JantaCurfew”, “जनता कर्फ्यू को लेकर लोक गायक प्रीतम भरतवाण जी ने एक अनोखा और बेहद सुरीला संदेश दिया है... #JantaCurfew”.
The Prime Minister praised the media fraternity for not only disseminating proper information but also taking proper precautions. He also commended the media for spreading the message of hope and positivity. He praised eminent personalities for spreading his ‘janata curfew’ message. In a series of tweets he said, “Eminent personalities are encouraging a Stay At Home Sunday to fight Coronavirus. And, people’s support is emphatic.”
The Prime Minister urged people to be a part of the 'Janta Curfew' today and said that it will add tremendous strength to the fight against COVID-19 menace. Stressing the importance of ensuring Social Distancing during this time, PM asked the people to spend quality family time, watching television and on some good food. He said each one of us are a valued soldier in this battle against COVID-19 and being alert and cautious can help lakhs of other lives. He also said the streets are empty but the resolve to fight COVID-19 is full.
Ministry of Home Affairs
901 Police personnel awarded Police Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day, 2023
140 awarded Police Medal for Gallantry , 93 awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service  and 668 awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service 
A total of 901 Police personnel have been awarded Police Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day, 2023. Police Medal for Gallantry  has been awarded to 140, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service  to 93 and Police Medal for Meritorious Service  has been awarded to 668.
Among the majority of the 140 Gallantry Awards, 80 personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas and 45 personnel from Jammu & Kashmir region are being awarded for their gallant action. Among the personnel receiving Gallantry Awards, 48 are from CRPF, 31 are from Maharashtra, 25 are from J&K Police, 09 are from Jharkhand, 07 are each from Delhi, Chhattisgarh & BSF and the remaining from the other States/UTs and CAPFs.
Police Medal for Gallantry  is awarded on the ground of Conspicuous Gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals. President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service  is awarded for special distinguished record in Police Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service  is awarded for valuable service characterized by resource and devotion to duty.
Details of Awardees Lists are enclosed as below:
|
|
Sl No.
|
|
Subject
|
|
Number of persons
|
|
Annexure
|
|
1
|
|
Police Medals for Gallantry 
|
|
140
|
|
Annexure -I
|
|
2
|
|
President’s Police Medals for Distinguish Service
|
|
93
|
|
Annexure -II
|
|
3
|
|
Police Medal for Meritorious Service
|
|
668
|
|
Annexure -III
|
|
4
|
|
State Wise/ Force Wise list of medals awardees to the Police personnel
|
|
As per list
|
|
Annexure -IV
Click here to view Annexure -I
Click here to view Annexure -II
Click here to view Annexure -III
Click here to view Annexure -IV
Prime Minister's Office
PM approves ex gratia from PMNRF for the victims of stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved an ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund  for the victims of stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan.
The Prime Minister's office tweeted;
"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi"
Ministry of Defence
Parade of Sails Organised at Visakhapatnam
As a part of the ongoing 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ and 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ Celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of 1971 War, the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, a ‘Parade of Sails’ was organised by Eastern Naval Command as part of Engagement and Outreach programme at Western Arm of Visakhapatnam Harbour on 24 Nov 21. This multi-class event saw participation by a 45 boats including sail boats, windsurfers, Kayaks and power boats with 75 participants symbolising 75 years of Independence. The ‘Parade of Sails’ was organised under aegis of Indian Naval Sailing Association , New Delhi. Rear Adm Jyotin Raina NM, VSM, Chief Staff Officer , ENC flagged off the event and later give away prizes to the outstanding yachtsmen and yachtswomen.
As a run-up to the event, the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre  a premier watermanship training centre at Visakhapatnam under INS Circars conducted a sail training camp for all the participants over the last month. The 75 enthusiastic participants included naval personnel and their children, cadets of Sea Cadet Corps  and National Cadet Corps . They were training on Hobbie Cat, Laser Bahia, Laser Standard, Laser Radial, Enterprise, 29er, Bic Nova wind surfers, Optimist and Sea Kayaks.
CGR/VM/PS
(
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Payroll Reporting in India – A Formal Employment Perspective
The National Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the press note on Employment Outlook of the country covering the period September, 2017 to June, 2022 based on the administrative records available with selected government agencies to assess the progress in certain dimensions.
A detailed note is annexed.
Ministry of Education
Union Minister of HRD Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ visits National Bal Bhavan
HRD Minister asks Department of School Education to set up a ‘Centre for talented children’ at National Bal Bhawan as per Prime Minister’s Innovative Learning Programme
Union Minister of Human Resource Development Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ visited National Bal Bhavan , an autonomous organisation under the Department of School Education and Literacy, MHRD today in New Delhi.
During his visit, Union Minister interacted with children and their trainers participating in various activities such as singing, dancing, drawing, craft, stitching, music, judo, etc. He motivated children and emphasized that every child has some inbuilt creativity in them and proper guidance from the teacher coaxes and cultivates it to help them grow up as creative individuals. He also stated that it is important to have a right mix of creativity along with curriculum to help students to be innovative and also encourages them to learn new things.
The Minister asked Department of School Education and Literacy to set up a ‘Centre for talented children’ at National Bal Bhawan as per Prime Minister’s Innovative Learning Programme. The purpose of this centre will be to enhance the creative potential of children by providing them various opportunities and a common platform to interact, with various National level Renowned Artists in the field of Art, Singing, Music, Dancing, etc. This centre will help in nurturing the artistic talents of children by providing them mentoring from experts in various fields.
The HRD Minister also discussed the plan for developing ‘Indian Air Force Publicity Pavillion’, with the help of the Indian Air Force. He also directed to prepare database of all the Alumni of NBB who have excelled in their field at National and International level. These alumni will be involved in interacting and motivating children in NBB. He emphasised to have a plan for upgrading the infrastructure and facilities at National Bal Bhawan and utilise it optimally, and make aproposal for ‘Children with Special needs’.
National Bal Bhawan has been conducting the recreational activities to develop the skills of children, expand their creative abilities in the field of Art & Craft, Music, Dance, Science, Museum Techniques, Physical Education.NBB provides opportunities to students after school hours to ignite curiosity and celebrate possibilities through immersive, dynamic experiences in visual arts, scientific activities and physical activities.
PIB Headquarters
No Constable of Assam Police died of COVID-19 Fake news circulated in Media
A report has been circulated in some media that a lady constable of Assam police, named Namita Sinha posted at Bajarisara Police Station of Karimganj district died of COVID-19. The report states that she is the first Police personnel in the state who died of COVID-19.
The Assam Police has clarified thatit is a fake news.According to Karimganj police the constable is undergoing treatment.
Karimganj police has initiated the procedure to take action againstthe rumour mongers.
Shri G.P. Singh, Additional Director General of Police, Assam, in a tweet yesterday, informed that a SP rank officer of Assam Police and 30 other ranks have tested COVID positive and they are all in good health. Wishing them early and full recovery Shri Singh in his tweet said that Assam Police rededicate themselves to the service of the people of Assam.
Any misleading report leads to panic and confusion in the public harms the common resolve to defeat the pandemic.People should refrain from spreading false news in this hour of crisiswhile the rumour mongerers will be dealt strictly.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Over 22,000 MSMEs registered under ZED scheme
More than 22,288 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  have registered themselves to take up Zero Defect, Zero Effect  manufacturing under ZED scheme.
The Quality Council of India  have organized Industry Awareness Programme, training for Enterprise Capacity Building, training of officials of implementing agencies, Consultants/Assessors/Master Trainers’ training. Online Self-Assessments, Desktop Assessments and Site Assessments have carried out and ZED ratings have been awarded as provided for under scheme guidelines.
This information was given by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Road Transport & Highways Ministry responds to alert from CERT-In, asks organizations in transport sector to tighten IT security against any cyber intrusion
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways received an alert from CERT-In regarding targeted intrusion activities directed towards Indian Transport sector with possible malicious intentions. The Ministry has advised departments and organisations under transport sector to strengthen the security posture of their infrastructure.
Accordingly, NIC, NHAI, NHIDCL, IRC, IAHE, State PWDs, Testing agencies and Automobile manufacturers have been requested to conduct the security audit of the entire IT system by CERT-In certified agencies on a regular basis and take all actions as per their recommendations. The audit report and the ATR to be regularly submitted to the Ministry.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur motivates youth for 'Clean India Programme'
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan organises cleanliness drive in Chandigarh
As a part of ongoing ‘Clean India Programme’ of Government of India, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan , Punjab & Chandigarh organised a cleanliness drive in Chandigarh today. The Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur joined the volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan  and National Service Scheme  in the drive, undertaken near SD College, Sector-32, in the city.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur along volunteers from NYKS and NSS during the cleanliness drive
On the occasion, theminister said that the aim of ‘Clean India Programme’ is to create awareness, mobilize people and ensure their involvement in cleaning waste, mainly single use plastic waste throughout the country. “Through this mega initiative, 75 lakh Kg waste, mainly plastic waste will be collected and disposed with the support and voluntary participation of citizens”, he added.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur participating in cleanliness drive in Chandigarh
The Department of Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports  in commemoration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava is organizing a nationwide Clean India Programme from 1st October 2021 to 31st October 2021. The programme is being organised in 6 Lakh villages of 744 Districts across the country through the networks of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan  affiliated Youth Clubs & National Service Scheme affiliated Institutions..
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Flood/Drought Tolerant Seeds
Indian Council of Agricultural Research  through its 57 Institutes and 40 All India Coordinated Research Projects/ All India Network Projects operating in more than 930 centres across 45 State/Central Agricultural Universities is promoting research on improvement of seed/varieties. In addition, eight special projects viz., ICAR-National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture , four Consortium Research Projects, Incentivizing Research in Agriculture Project, Network Project on Translational Genomics in Crop Plants and National Agricultural Science Fund are also focussing on climate change research in seed varieties.
To tackle climate change related cropping issues and droughts ICAR has developed more than 7200 high yielding varieties of field and horticultural crops since 1969 through National Agricultural Research System . During 2014-15 to 2022-23, NARS under the aegis of ICAR has released 2681 high yielding/ stress tolerant varieties/ hybrids of field  and horticultural crops  for different agro-climatic conditions, of which 407 varieties have been bred through precision phenotyping tools specially for extreme climate including flood/ water submergence/ water logging tolerance , drought/moisture stress/ water stress tolerance , salinity/ alkalinity/ sodic soils tolerance , heat stress/ high temperature tolerance  and cold/ frost/ winter chilling tolerance .
India has made a commendable progress in improving per unit yield of various food grains by deploying the high yielding climate resilient varieties through enhanced seed and varietal replacement rates, which has resulted in increasing the overall productivity level of food grains by 4.57 times  during 2020-21 as compared to 522 kg/ha during 1950-51. Since 2014, average productivity in most of the crops has increased significantly as a result of which total production of food grains has increased to 6.4 times from 50.8 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 323.6 million tonnes during 2022-23 .
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
NITI Aayog
Dr. Darshana Joshi of Almora honoured in the Fifth Edition of Women Transforming India Awards by the NITI Aayog
75 Women honoured in the 75th year of India’s Independence
Dr. Darshana Joshi, Founder and CEO of VigyanShaala from Almora Uttarakhand is among the 75 women honoured as Women Transforming India by the NITI Aayog.
Women have consistently been playing a key role in transforming India into a ‘Sashakt Aur Samarth Bharat’. In recognition of the remarkable achievements of these women across diverse sectors NITI Aayog has instituted Women Transforming India Awards.
This year, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence, the WTI Awards were conferred on 75 women achievers. Click here to know more about the other awardees.
Dr. Darshana Joshi, Almora, VigyanShaala International
Dr. Darshana Joshi, Founder and CEO of VigyanShaala is determined to create equity in STEM education and opportunities for the most marginalised communities across India. Carefully developed ecosystems can reduce inequality and uplift the marginalized sections to build careers in STEM. The organisation is building unique ‘Phy-gital’ ecosystems addressing the STEM opportunity gap by Kalpana - She for STEM. This is a digital mentorship program bringing scientific opportunities for women and creating Rural STEM champions as part of their fellowship model. As a part of this initiative, there are physical science labs provided to rural STEM undergraduates which help them to work on innovative models under full support and mentorship. VigyanShaala has created a knowledge and inspiration pipeline which connects rural colleges to global Mentors by providing them hands-on laboratory experience and leadership training.
Creating a better world through science, the mission of VigyanShaala is to enable innovators to achieve their dreams in STEM careers.
DS/LP/TS
(
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19- New Cases Found
As of today, there are 43 total cases , out of which 40 are active cases of COVID-19 in the country. 4  new cases of COVID-19 have been reported since yesterday’s update – 1  from Ernakulum, Kerala, 1  from Delhi, 1 from Uttar Pradesh and 1  from Jammu.
The 5 cases from Kerala reported yesterday are 3 family members with travel history to Italy and 2 of their relatives who came in contact with them. The family is reported to have visited relatives and attended few functions and their contacts are being traced as we speak.
43 samples have tested positive out of the 3,003 samples tested for COVID-19 with 2,694 samples having returned negative results.
A total of 8,74,708 international passengers from 8,255 flights have been screened at airports till now with 1,921 passengers identified as symptomatic. 177 of them have been hospitalized. 33,599 passengers are under observation. 21,867 passengers have completed their observation period.
The people are further appealed that they should reveal clearly about their travel history and fill the details in self-declaration forms properly.
Spl. Secretary  also clarified that the patient from Murshidabad, West Bengal was tested negative for COVID-19 and hence, so far no death has been reported due to COVID-19 in the country.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan is continuously monitoring and reviewing the status, actions taken and future preparedness of States. Also, Secretary  is reviewing the situation with States/UTs on a regular basis.
The Health Ministry appeals to the people to kindly observe the Do’s and Don’ts, coughing etiquettes, hand-washing and avoid large gatherings.